I’m new to swaylocks and this is my first post. I’ve searched the forum a few times but can’t see what I want.
I’ve been trolling the interent to find a performance mini mal but have had no success. I’m looking for a traditional mal outline & rocker but maybe something like 7’ 0" x 20 1/2" x 2 5/16".
The reason is I find mal surfing (8ft) easy, however generally they are too wide and fat for any sort of performance. I am pretty rubbish on all shortbaords (6’ 5" and under). I’ve tried longboarding (9ft+) but found it heavy and lethargic. I find fishes too fat, and small wave boards are no good in medium surf.
I’m thinking that a shorter, narrower, thinner mal shape would be the solution but I can’t seem to find one anywhere online.
Tell us a little about your size, experience and the conditions where you normally surf. From what you’ve said so far I’m guessing you’re a novice surfer of relatively small or light stature and you mostly surf in quick beachbreak type conditions. But that’s just a guess.
I suppose my main concern is that if it hasn’t really been done before, then there is probably a reason. Besides the obvious that such a long narrow board will be more likely to snap, is there any other down sides that I’m not seeing.
Also, what is the best way to reinforce a board from snapping. Thick/double stringer or stronger glass? both?
6’11 x 21.5…20.5 is a bit too narrow, creates more of a hybrid outline…key to mini-mals is not getting the nose too wide or they don’t handle steep sections as well
The only thing I find with most big guy shortboards is that they are generally very fat/thick to keep up the buoyancy. I have to wear 5mm booties year round and find it difficult when on a board 2 1/2" or more. I’m looking for lenght for taking off, but not necessarily width, and definitely not depth.
Have you seen a mal with similar dimensions anywhere - I want to have a few ideas before going to the local shaper for a custom.
I think there’s plenty of room for movement in minimals. Not many others might, but I do. Those dimensions sound ok, keep the nose around 15" and a,shortboard style round square (14"?), and you should have fun. 3 fins also, and maybe EPS for liveliness. A big guy shortboard at,that length should also catch heaps of waves, but perform much better than a minimal too, if you’re game to try.
